Corps of Royal Engineers

Royal Engineer soldiers are called Sappers

Sappers are unique, motivated and intelligent. We are multi-skilled soldiers, combat engineers and tradesmen. We provide essential support to all areas of the British Army in peacetime and on operations.

Facts & Figures

Formed on

26 May 1716

Role

Combat Support

Specialism

Engineering

Our skills

Few careers can match the diversity, training and experiences the Corps of Royal Engineers can offer. No matter which path you take, officer, soldier, Regular or Reserve, you will become confident in your role, with the opportunity to gain civilian recognised qualifications.

Tradesman

Plant operator

Bomb disposal/search

Communication specialist

Logistic specialist

Royal Engineer diver

Parachute engineer

Commando Royal Engineer

Deployments

Current Deployments

South Sudan - Operation Trenton

Due to civil war in the country, we are providing support to military and civilians in need of engineering expertise.

Falkland Islands - Project Anemoi

We continue to support construction projects on the island.

Previous Deployments

Afghanistan - Operation Herrick

Iraq - Operation Telic

Our People

You will quickly learn the skills required to become a junior leader and gain promotion

We have quality Sapper officers, that inspire and lead from the front.

Sapper Robertson Carpenter 39 Engineer Regiment

Lance Corporal Nishan Bricklayer 36 Engineer Regiment

Lance Corporal Lopez Structural Finisher 35 Engineer Regiment

Our Location

The Corps of Royal Engineers comprises of Regular and Reserve units, located around the United Kingdom. Our Corps' home is situated with 1 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment in Chatham, Kent. As a trainee Sapper, this is where you will conduct your trade training.

I have a sense of pride and worth as a Sapper
Gregan, 29 - The Corps of Royal Engineers

As a potential Sapper, you will complete basic training. You will learn the skills required to become a robust and confident soldier.

You will complete combat engineer training, which will give you the engineering knowledge required to use speed boats, handle explosives, build bridges, purify water, build fortifications and many other exciting tasks.

As a Sapper you will gain a trade, with the opportunity to gain civilian recognised qualifications.

The Corps of Engineers was formed in 1716, consisting of only 28 officers. After expansion and many expeditions throughout the world, the Corps of Royal Engineers was formally established in 1856, consisting of both officers and non-commissioned ranks.

1875

Royal Engineers Army Football Club win the FA Cup

1879

The famous defence of Rourke's Drift during the Zulu War takes place

1916

Strategic tunneling operations assist First World War efforts

1945

Essential engineer operations contributed to Allied success in the Second World War

2010

Corporal J Bedford MC receives a bravery medal for his efforts in Afghanistan

2016

The Corps celebrates 300 years of successful military engineering around the world